Business OnRamp » Domain Names http://www.businessonramp.com Start your business! Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:17:39 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 How to Secure Quality Domain Names for your Web Startup http://www.businessonramp.com/how-to-secure-quality-domain-names-for-your-web-startup/ http://www.businessonramp.com/how-to-secure-quality-domain-names-for-your-web-startup/#comments Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:08:11 +0000 jashall http://www.businessonramp.com/?p=71 Today’s most successful companies have powerful brands which make both online and offline marketing more effective. Starting a web-based business today requires careful attention to branding, and you can keep your company one step ahead of the competition with a top quality domain name. Domain names are Internet-based addresses used to navigate to your website, and provide important search marketing and branding benefits for your business. The process of researching and registering a quality domain name can provide instantly visibility ...]]> Today’s most successful companies have powerful brands which make both online and offline marketing more effective. Starting a web-based business today requires careful attention to branding, and you can keep your company one step ahead of the competition with a top quality domain name. Domain names are Internet-based addresses used to navigate to your website, and provide important search marketing and branding benefits for your business. The process of researching and registering a quality domain name can provide instantly visibility and credibility for your startup.

Domain Name Research and Strategy

Your search for a quality business domain name should begin with research into the name itself. Start by identifying what you want your company name to convey to consumers, and then begin thinking about possible naming options based upon that research. You may want to select a generic, descriptive name that directly conveys the location, service or contents if your site. Start by identifying the core keywords relevant to your site, whether it is a city, product name or industry. These domain names are keyword-rich and may require you to purchase a domain name from an existing owner – in this case, you will have to negotiate a price with the existing owner, who you can identify through Whois searches (http://whois.domaintools.com/) .

On the other hand, you may want to brainstorm unique branded domains which you can use to build up a brand – for example, Skype built a business with a creative domain that had few direct connections to web conferencing. The research process should incorporate ideas in both categories so you can narrow down you preference based upon what is available. Once you have identified the core terms ideal for your brand, you should begin the process of identifying which are available in your desired extension. While .com is the favored domain name extension, you may also want to consider .net domains for technology companies, .org names for non-profits as well as country-codes (.us, .co.uk. de, etc.) for localized sites. Fully evaluate your options to determine which available names is the best fit for your company.

Domain Name Registration and Security

You can determine domain name availability at a variety of accredited domain registrars (http://www.verisign.com/domain-name-services/find-registrar/index.html) . Make sure to register a domain at a reputable, accredited company which has a long track record, accessible support and an easily navigable interface. Since you’re investing in a brand name for your choice of a registrar is important.  After identifying the ideal domain you may also want to invest in related brand-protection names – such as registering your brand in .net to redirect to your main site or buying common typos to protect the brand.

Your goal in building a web-based business is to develop a reputable brand built around quality services. To improve the credibility of your brand, use accurate, accessible registrant information – this ensures potential customers and business partners can verify the location and identity of your startup. Taking time to register, develop and protect your online brand can get your startup on the right track.

]]> http://www.businessonramp.com/how-to-secure-quality-domain-names-for-your-web-startup/feed/ 0 Domain Names http://www.businessonramp.com/domain-names/ http://www.businessonramp.com/domain-names/#comments Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:29:52 +0000 jashall http://www.businessonramp.com/domain-names/ What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is like a telephone number.  It is used to connect a web browser to a particular website.  Like a telephone number, a domain name or URL can point to a website that can be moved from one location (server) to another.  If you have a website that is being hosted by a company and decide to change the design and/or the company that designed the site for you, you still can use the ...]]> What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is like a telephone number.  It is used to connect a web browser to a particular website.  Like a telephone number, a domain name or URL can point to a website that can be moved from one location (server) to another.  If you have a website that is being hosted by a company and decide to change the design and/or the company that designed the site for you, you still can use the same domain name for your new site.

It is very important to maintain ownership of your domain name.  It is something that will be used for branding your company.  Your site can change but most of your clients will remember the URL and may save it to their favorites for later reference.  To maintain this customer base, you should make sure the only site that will use this domain will be yours.  To do this, renew your domain on time.  A competitor can buy your domain name if you do not renew it.

How to register a domain?

Technical registering a domain name is very simple.  Use a domain registration company that is accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).  Most of the popular registers are all ICANN companies, so your main issues will be costs.  It is important to do your research on the web to find inexpensive companies that will also provide you with any support that you might need.  A few of the most used domain registration companies are Godaddy.com, Register.com and networksolutions.com.

Once you have chosen a domain registration company, you will need to choose a domain name that fits your company.  Start by using the domain name search tool that is provided by the registration company, to find a name that you like.  It is best to have more than one choice because there is a great chance your name is already taken.  It is suggested to use variations of company name.  Please keep in mind that there are many types of domains you can register including .com, .net and .org.  Depending on the kind of company you are, you may want to use a particular kind of domain.  Most e-commerce sites use .com or .net as well as brochure website.  Most non-profit organization use the .org ending.   

How to purchase registered domain names?

If you have been searching for a particular domain name, and it is already registered with another company, you can make an offer to the company to buy the domain.  This process can be time consuming and costly, if the other company is using the domain.  Many companies including domain registration companies buy popular domain names in order to resale the domains at a later date.  If you use a domain search site like Network Solutions’ Whois , you can find out who owns the domain and the companies contact information.  From there, you may want to contact the company and make an offer for the name.  If the name is registered with a domain company, you can buy the domain for the listed price.

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